Great expectations

Definition

Great Expectations is a novel by Charles Dickens that follows the life of an orphan named Pip, exploring themes of social class, ambition, and personal development. The story is significant in illustrating the complexities of social mobility and individual aspirations within a realist framework, often critiquing the societal norms of Dickens' time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel was first published in serial form in 1860-1861, reflecting the serialized storytelling popular in Victorian England.
2. Pip's journey from a humble blacksmith's apprentice to a gentleman highlights the themes of ambition and the quest for personal identity.
3. The character of Miss Havisham serves as a critique of societal expectations, illustrating the damaging effects of unfulfilled aspirations and social isolation.
4. Great Expectations also addresses issues of class distinction, showing how wealth does not necessarily equate to happiness or moral integrity.
5. The ending of the novel has multiple interpretations, emphasizing the importance of personal connections over social status.

Review Questions

• How does Great Expectations reflect the characteristics of a bildungsroman, particularly through Pip's development?
  • Great Expectations embodies the bildungsroman genre through Pip's transformation from an innocent boy into a self-aware adult. The novel chronicles Pip's experiences as he navigates various social classes, confronting his desires and values along the way. His journey illustrates key aspects of growth, including moral dilemmas and the search for identity, ultimately leading him to recognize the importance of genuine relationships over material success.
• Analyze how Great Expectations critiques Victorian society's views on social mobility and class distinctions.
  • Great Expectations critiques Victorian society by highlighting the limitations and illusions of social mobility. While Pip rises in status, he discovers that wealth and gentility do not guarantee happiness or fulfillment. The novel challenges the notion that one’s worth is tied to social class by presenting characters like Joe Gargery, whose kindness and integrity stand in stark contrast to the superficiality of wealth exemplified by characters like Estella and Miss Havisham.
• Evaluate the significance of Miss Havisham's character in relation to Pip's expectations and societal norms in Great Expectations.
  • Miss Havisham is pivotal in shaping Pip's perceptions of wealth and ambition. Her tragic backstory reflects the destructive power of unfulfilled expectations, serving as a warning against allowing societal norms to dictate one's happiness. Through her influence, Pip develops misguided aspirations that lead him to alienate those who genuinely care for him. Ultimately, Miss Havisham's character reinforces the idea that true fulfillment lies in authentic relationships rather than societal validation.

Related terms

Bildungsroman: A literary genre focused on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood.

Social Mobility: The ability of individuals or groups to move within a social hierarchy, which can be influenced by factors such as wealth, education, and employment.

Realism: A literary movement that aims to depict everyday life and society accurately, often emphasizing character development and moral dilemmas.